Best Equestrian Camping near Central, SC

Willis Knob Horse Camp offers camping facilities with designated sites for horses and their owners approximately 30 miles from Central, South Carolina. The campground provides electric hookups, drinking water, and designated areas for horses. Campsites include fire rings and picnic tables, with both tent and RV camping permitted. Bathrooms are available but the facility does not offer shower facilities. Whetstone Horse Camp, located in the Mountain Rest area, provides additional equestrian camping options with basic amenities including drinking water and toilet facilities. Sites accommodate both tent and RV camping with campfires permitted at designated rings.

Trail access connects riders to the extensive network of equestrian paths throughout the Sumter National Forest. Randy's Horse Camp, situated near the Georgia border, supplements the public camping options with private facilities including water and electric hookups along with shower facilities not found at the public horse camps. The campgrounds maintain a pet-friendly policy allowing dogs to accompany equestrian campers, though all pets must remain leashed. Horse trailer parking is available at all three facilities with sufficient room for standard rigs. Seasonal considerations affect water availability, with some facilities winterizing water systems during colder months. Reservations are recommended particularly during peak riding seasons when equestrian sites fill quickly.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Central, South Carolina (17)

    1. Oconee State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-5353

    "This state park is located in a beautiful part of South Carolina. There are a range of fun hiking trails. The cabins are rustic, but with all the amenities you need for a trip to the mountains."

    "We spent 2 nights in one of the cabins in this beautiful state park during a road trip through South Carolina. And let me say, 2 nights was not enough! The cabin itself was very well kept."

    2. South Cove County Park

    12 Reviews
    Seneca, SC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 882-5250

    $25 - $60 / night

    "There are several large play areas in walking distance. There appeared to be beautiful lake views from almost every site. We very much enjoyed our stay and plan to return for a longer visit."

    "Perfect for kids, right on the lake. Loved the playground 😊

    warning! Don’t feed the geese! The campers next to us fed them and the next day we woke up with goose poop on everything!"

    3. Lazy J Campground

    12 Reviews
    Rosman, NC
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 966-3834

    $20 / night

    "Chickens and horses on site. Playground and lots of fun. Sites are wooded and quaint. Roads are a little narrow, but passable. One of our favorite sites."

    "We fished right next to our camp site and then relaxed with a camp fire listening to the sound of the River."

    4. Willis Knob Horse Camp

    3 Reviews
    Sky Valley, GA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 754-6221

    $20 - $30 / night

    "This is a very nice horse camp facility. Well maintained and clean. Trails are wonderful and well-constructed to avoid deep mud."

    "Some of the best Horse Camping in the Mountains, Great Horse trails that follow the Chatooga River."

    5. North Mills River

    26 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $31 - $62 / night

    "Small campground, but there are free off road sites not too far down the road. Cell service disappears but I love that kind of disconnect."

    "This campground has shade and open fields and can get crowded regularly because it is so centrally located in Pisgah national Forest."

    6. Whetstone Horse Camp

    2 Reviews
    Long Creek, SC
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-9568

    $15 - $30 / night

    "I unfortunately haven’t been able to return to this location for quite some time now but I remember it fondly. Spent many nights and days here during middle school with my local horse club."

    "Passed through on a bike packing trip and we were the only non-horse people there. Campsite was clean, with bathrooms and water available."

    7. Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area

    7 Reviews
    Sapphire, NC
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 269-4453

    "The first campsite we stayed at was on the Green Valley Trail, the second one was on the Panthertown Valley Trail right near the Schoolhouse Falls Trail, and the third was on Mac's Gap right past the Granny"

    "The sites near the middle of Macs Gap trail are huge and there is easy access to a couple streams. Bring a good map and stick to the trails that your map covers."

    8. Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area Trailside Camping — Caesars Head State Park

    2 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, SC
    29 miles
    Website

    $4 - $20 / night

    "My friend and I hiked the Raven Cliff Falls loop trail a while back and have added it to our list of top 10 favorite trails."

    "Wonderful trails with breath taking views and technical climbs plus discrete camping."

    9. Standing Indian Campground

    19 Reviews
    Otto, NC
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 524-6441

    $26 - $100 / night

    "The entrance to this park is right across the street to an entrance to the Appalachian Trail. A beautiful trout stream runs through the park, close to all the campsites."

    "Our site was about 30 feet away from the Nantahala river. The bathrooms and showers were spotless. Keep in mind that it’s far from any store or restaurant so bring food along. No cell service."

    10. Randy’s Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Mountain City, GA
    31 miles
    +1 (706) 782-6118

    $20 - $30 / night

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Central, SC

3 Photos of 17 Central Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Central, SC

146 Reviews of 17 Central Campgrounds


  • Phyllis B.
    May. 19, 2019

    Willis Knob Horse Camp

    Willis Knob Horse Camp

    There are nine campsites.  Sturdy highline posts are provided but you need to bring your own ropes and other highland gear. Vault toilets are provided but no shower facilities. Campsites each offer electric and water hookups, nice tent pads, lantern hooks, and big picnic tables. This is a very nice horse camp facility. Well maintained and clean. Trails are wonderful and well-constructed to avoid deep mud. My only complaint is the lack of really good, accurate trail maps to print out and carry with you of the horse trails on both the Georgia and South Carolina sides of the river. This is my new favorite mountain horse camp.

  • J
    Jul. 19, 2016

    Oconee State Park Campground

    Rustic cabins in a WPA Era State Park

    This state park is located in a beautiful part of South Carolina. There are a range of fun hiking trails. The cabins are rustic, but with all the amenities you need for a trip to the mountains.

  • Jessica S.
    Jul. 10, 2018

    Oconee State Park Campground

    Cute cabins in beautiful state park

    We spent 2 nights in one of the cabins in this beautiful state park during a road trip through South Carolina. And let me say, 2 nights was not enough! The cabin itself was very well kept. There was air conditioning, 2 bedrooms, 1 full kitchen, 1 full bathroom, and a fire place. We stopped at a Walmart in one of the towns before the park to stock up on food.

    There are multiple cabins scattered around the lake but they are a good distance apart from each other so you won't be disturbed by your neighbors. There was a fire ring and picnic in front of the cabin where we made smores after dinner and a cute screened porch with rocking chairs where we had coffee and breakfast on every morning. The cabin was right next to the small lake, which had a short trail going around it. We saw people fishing and I believe you can rent canoes as well in the park.

    You definitely need more than 2 days to explore this cute little park. There are multiple hiking trails near by and definitely a lot of wild life. But it was definitely a peaceful and quiet park perfect for a relaxing weekend away.

  • Cameron G.
    Nov. 15, 2022

    Oconee State Park Campground

    Halloween

    We love this park! We've been for Halloween twice now and out little guys loves it! The staff is so kind, and the garbage pick up twice a day is great! I will say, compared to other state parks, these campsites are TIGHT! Be prepared. We've come across this with other state parks in South Carolina. The facilities are clean, and the nature is beautiful! Can't go wrong with this campground!

  • Kristen B.
    Jun. 13, 2018

    North Mills River

    Great small spot

    Small campground, but there are free off road sites not too far down the road. Cell service disappears but I love that kind of disconnect. No power, can use a generator but only for a few hours during non quiet time. Quiet hours strictly enforced. Horse trails nearby. Roads lead to blue ridge Parkway. There is a shower and working toilet, but also outhouse for off season use. Hosts make you feel like family.

  • Maddi P.
    Sep. 30, 2018

    Whetstone Horse Camp

    Riding on the chattooga river

    I unfortunately haven’t been able to return to this location for quite some time now but I remember it fondly. Spent many nights and days here during middle school with my local horse club. Trails were clean although a little to narrow in some spots, especially when needing to pass another horse and rider but there is plenty of wide open areas that allow for the perfect opportunity to stop and rest. If you ever have time I also recommend stopping by stump house tunnel which is near by its 2 adventures for the price of 1! Writing this review makes me want to go back!

  • Mark C.
    Sep. 6, 2018

    Willis Knob Horse Camp

    Equestrian

    Some of the best Horse Camping in the Mountains, Great Horse trails that follow the Chatooga River.

  • Marta S.
    Jul. 23, 2021

    Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area

    LOVE LOVE LOVE

    We stayed at three different campsites throughout our trip (went backpacking 4 days, 3 nights - could have just set up camp and day hiked, buttttt didn't necessarily think that through). 

    The first campsite we stayed at was on the Green Valley Trail, the second one was on the Panthertown Valley Trail right near the Schoolhouse Falls Trail, and the third was on Mac's Gap right past the Granny Burrell Falls Trail. 

    All the campsites were beautiful, but the Green Valley Trail campsite was our favorite. It was the most secluded and in an utterly beautiful location. There was foliage covering it from the trail and there was a creek steps away which made it easy to get water and make for. The Panthertown Valley Trail campsite was our least favorite, but that is because it was right off the main trail and not secluded whatsoever and kind of disappointing compared to the Green Valley campsite. It was also dirty with water bottles and socks and lots of mud from horses stepping all over the place. We were also woken up at 2AM by a group of loud hikers which left us concerned because it was down pouring and they were being extremely belligerent. However, we camped here because we were exhausted and wanted to stay near Schoolhouse Falls to be able to swim around and get wet and there were some unknown animal tracks in the sand near Schoolhouse Falls. We stayed on Mac's Gap for the same reason - to be near Granny Burrell after a long day - and even though it was the most crowded trail, it was a lot of fun. There was a pack of llamas we were next to and they were so sweet (part of a boys camp), and we felt the safest from predators (read: bears). Even though there were a lot of people, I felt a strong sense of camaraderie. 

    You will need a bear canister, practice the Bearmuda Triangle, and make sure to bring a poop shovel. Pack out what you packed in.

  • s
    Jan. 7, 2023

    Willis Knob Horse Camp

    Good Info

    Happy to find a reliable way to source RV horse camping


Guide to Central

Horse camping in South Carolina offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities for equestrian enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, there are several excellent options to consider.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • The Whetstone Horse Camp features sturdy highline posts and clean bathrooms, making it a great choice for horseback riders.
  • At Willis Knob Horse Camp, campers can enjoy electric and water hookups along with spacious tent pads and picnic tables.
  • Randy’s Horse Camp provides a welcoming atmosphere with beautiful views and a creek running through the camp, perfect for cooling off after a ride.

Equestrian campgrounds include exciting activities

Tips for equestrian camping near Central, South Carolina

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Central, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Central, SC is Oconee State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 43 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Central, SC?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Central, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.